A band of WCTU crusaders returning from a raid on a saloon or “joint”

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union WCTU is a national voluntary organization founded in 1874 by women who were concerned about the problems alcohol was causing in their families and communities. Based on the writing of Xenophon, a Greek philosopher, the Union defined temperance as "moderation in all things healthful; total abstinence from all things harmful." The WCTU of Missouri was organized in 1882.

During the nineteenth and early twentieth century, WCTU’s chief goal, or mission, was to outlaw the selling of alcohol. The organization held marches and rallies in several states. Besides saloons, their targets were men’s clubs like the Odd Fellows, Elks, Eagles, Lions, Masons and others. Women could not enter these private clubs to search for their husbands if they were missing.

Members of the WCTU had been working for Prohibition, an amendment to the Constitution to make the sale of alcoholic beverages illegal, for many years before Nation became famous for smashing saloons with her hatchet.

Unless otherwise noted, © The State Historical Society of Missouri